Crucifixion protest by jobless bus driver in Paraguay

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A laid-off bus driver yesterday became the third person this week to be nailed to a cross in a mock crucifixion in Paraguay in protest against the firing of 300 public transport workers.

The grimacing worker, Ramon Vera, was affixed to the wooden cross with a nail through each hand. The 34-year-old man said he wanted to call attention to the fate of hundreds of fellow bus drivers fired earlier this month by authorities.

"This is not a heroic gesture but a simple request for work," Vera said as the protest unfolded in the capital, Asuncion. "I have my entire family to feed and so do my unemployed colleagues."

In a scene similar to two earlier mock crucifixions since Monday, the stout wooden cross was laid on the street and Vera comforted by onlookers after the nails were driven in. Vera remained on his back with the cross laid on the ground.

The protest comes after government transport authorities took buses off certain transport lines, saying they failed to meet official standards. But the 300 unemployed drivers said they have been unable to find work elsewhere and have spent three weeks demonstrating outside the government transport agency demanding reinstatement.